A classic design for TV trays, the Large Rectangular Folding Tray Table Set has been our most popular for over 30 years. As the best-selling item for not only the holiday season, but the entire year, these TV trays fit well into any decor with great functional quality and a guarantee to boot (all our items carry a Quality Guarantee).

A new solid cherry wood version of the typical solid Ash trays mentioned at #1, the Large Rectangular Cherry TV Tray Table Set offers a more distinguished appeal with the always gorgeous, cherry wood. Offered in both Natural and Heritage stains, cherry wood furniture ages in tone and hue from sunlight, offering a truly one-of-a-kind heirloom quality furniture piece. This is one of the reasons we believe this has been such a great seller this holiday season.

The “contemporary” set of tray tables have been a mainstay in the “most popular” category. Designed with 21st century function in mind, the table top has a curve to offer someone a more up-close feel and command of the space for doing work on a laptop, paying bills, for the kids or grand-kids playing on the couch. Aside from the “TV dinner” culture popularized in the ’50’s, this design among others like the Portable Laptop Table are an extension to a new era of work life at home and the practicality of such with TV trays.

We’ve heard from so many customers on how hard it is to find good quality Mission style furniture, so much to our delight, this Mission End Table has been a top seller during the holiday season. Conveniently sized at 22″ wide by 20″ deep, this solid wood end table is compact yet offers lots of space on the top surface, large shelf, and deep drawer. With sturdy legs, this classic Mission style piece is built to last, and fits well into most home decor choices.

Another gorgeous solid Cherry wood furniture choice in either Heritage or Natural stain, the Oval Cherry Coffee Table is not only our most popular coffee table, but a top 5 seller this holiday season site-wide. With a stain resistant lacquer finish, and beautiful, sustainable, natural cherry hardwood, this item is both elegant and practical for daily use. Built to last, and like all our items, proudly made in the USA.

Do you own any of these items or considering them? Share with us below!

At Manchester Wood we love the holidays as much as you do. It’s a time that brings about family and friends, in gratitude, gift giving, and celebration. In honor of these cherished moments, both past and present, we offer our annual December giveaway as a “Holiday Memory Giveaway” where you can share with us some great holiday stories in comment section below, on Manchester Wood’s Facebook, or email us one privately at newsletter@manchesterwood.com. You can also share on our Google+ or mention us on Twitter (@ManchesterWood) to be entered. It can be a beautifully nostalgic time for many of us, why not share it! Upon sharing your holiday memory you’ll be entered into our raffle drawing at the end of this month (12/31) for a FREE Wall Magazine Rack shipped to your requested address at no cost.

It is with great pleasure that Manchester Wood is offering this month’s free product giveaway with a gift in gratitude. The month of November is about Thanksgiving, feeling grateful for all the things in our lives, most importantly our family and friends. At Manchester Wood we’re especially grateful for you, the loyal customers who buy our products, and help keep our jobs and business producing quality, handcrafted truly American made furniture. And as we begin to think about everyone else this season, and what they’re grateful for we simply ask… What are you grateful for?

To enter our FREE November ‘Gratitude Giveaway’ write what you’re grateful for in our blog comment section below, on our Facebook wall or mention it to us on Twitter.

*Giveaway Item* Portable Folding Work and Laptop Desk

The giveaway item this month is our popular Portable Folding Work and Laptop Desk. Practical… Sturdy… Portable. The Portable Folding Work and Laptop Desk has a unique design to fit the present mobile lifestyle with its large workspace and light, durable solid wood construction. Bring this folding worktable to wherever you need it! Crafted from sustainable Northeast hardwood at our mill in the Adirondack foothills of New York; built to last generations and backed by our Quality Guarantee.

Our folding tray tables have been a longtime customer favorite for over thirty years. The TV trays feature a double glide design that allows for easy folding and storage. Set up or store it away in seconds. These tables are versatile pieces of furniture, and have an easy wipe-off stain resistant lacquer finish.

Today (a day early) we celebrate 40 years at the mill! Here is Bev Hewes getting her corsage this morning, a tradition on the day we celebrate 10, 20, 25, 30, 35 year, and now for the first time this year… a 40 year employee!

In typical anniversary fashion we started off the morning with Mrs. Murphy’s donuts and coffee (our old morning spot when still in Manchester, VT), lunch prepared, “Vermontsters” for dessert, and a special presentation for employee milestones.

Charlie Curtis, celebrating 10 years (almost 11) at Manchester Wood.

Debbie Murphy, not in attendance, was honored with an antique block plane and plaque given to 20 year employees.

John Thomson, celebrating 25 years of dedicated service to Manchester Wood.

Bev Hewes, our one and only day one employee (Ed started 6 months after her). Celebrating 40 years at Manchester Wood.

We wouldn’t be anywhere without these fine folks, and the 40+ others (with half of them being with us 10+ years) at Manchester Wood. It’s because of them we produce the highest quality American made furniture. Thank them with us in the comment section below!

We wanted to share a list of larger companies we’ve made furniture for through the years. Some are names from long ago, some are prominent today… all are familiar to those of us who have been around for the 40 years we’ve been in business.

Our President, Ed Eriksen, wanted to share with you the list of vendors we’ve made furniture or other wood products for through the years. We started with table saws and hand sanders, and these businesses believed in us. Growing us into the business we are today.

Macy’s

Service Merchandise

Best Products

Top Value

S&H Green Stamps

J.C. Penney

Marshall Fields

Sears & Roebuck

Spiegel

Crate & Barrel

Eddie Bauer

Hambleton & Carr

Yield House

Plow & Hearth

General Mills

USAA

American Express

Fingerhut

Solutions

Gold Violin

Hechingers

Value House

LaBelles

K’s Merchandise

Modern Merchandising

Ace Hardware

Ikea

Hammacher Schlemmer

Fresh Finds

L.L. Bean

Sterns

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Kids

Orvis

Camping World

Avon

Shopko

Figis

True Value

Home Decorators Collection

Seventh Avenue

Thomas Baker

Lands’ End

Restoration Hardware

Naked Furniture

Vermont Country Store

Miles Kimbal

Martha Stewart

Steinhafels

Art Van Furniture

Nebraska Furniture Mart

Sturbridge Yankee Workshop

Country Curtains

BJs Wholesale Club

Restoration Hardware

Fortunoff’s

Lillian Vernon

As an American made manufacturer it means a great deal to us these businesses have supported us in producing products for them. Is there anyone you don’t see on this list we should be making furniture for?

Each week for the month of October we’re giving away one of our most popular items over the last 40 years we’ve been in business.

What products or styles of furniture would you like to see Manchester Wood make in the next 40 years?

By answering this question, in either the comments section here below, on our Facebook wall, or mentioning it to us on Twitter @manchesterwood, you’ll be entered to win the random raffle drawing conducted each Saturday morning during the month of October.

October 1-7

In the first week, we’ll be giving away our Multipurpose Cart & End Table. This item started off as a pine vegetable bin in our Plain Country collection in 1983. The design was inspired by an antique Ferrier’s toolbox found in the barn of our founder Cliff Pierce. Collaborating with a Crate & Barrel buyer at the time; they liked the concept, but wanted it to have open shelving from both sides and added casters for mobility. The new design became our Multipurpose Cart. We made it as an exclusive item for Crate & Barrel’s housewares department for the next year finding much success.

L.L. Bean then picked it up, modified the design some more, and ran it as “Bean’s Table Cart,” which went on to sell over 20,000 units the following year.

Today, as Vermont Country Store now states in their catalog version we offer them, it’s an “everywhere table,” and it truly is. We’ve boasted it as having 101 uses for the last 33 years, and the timeless appeal in design and function continues today.

October 8-14

For the second week, we’ll be giving away our Mission Underwindow Bookshelf. A newer item in our classic best sellers. The Mission Underwindow Bookshelf came out in the early ’90’s. We were developing our first Mission style furniture collection at the time, and felt a basic stand that would fit under-the-window would solve a difficult place to find furniture in. It’s been used for plants as well as a bookshelf and storage. With an adjustable shelf, it added a “multi-function” to the piece.

A Solutions buyer stated that after carrying it for over 20 years in their catalog, that it was her “favorite furniture piece of all time,” and they still offer a version of it today. It went on to L.L. Bean in their own variation, which also continues to sell well today.

The Mission Underwindow Bookshelf has lived through some of the more trying times in American furniture making, yet still holds up as a classic best-seller for filling a need in an unsuspecting place around the home.

“Cliff’s version of the Adirondack Chair produced in his Manchester Wood facility, was introduced at the Chicago Housewares Trade Show in 1984. Company Reps from L.L.Bean became interested in the new Adirondack Chair. They asked for the design to be made a bit more traditional, with wider arms and seat legs, and a tapered back. “But,” they told Cliff, “Keep the folding idea!”

From this collaboration, L.L.Bean’s Folding Wooden Adirondack Chair was born, debuting in their catalog during the spring of 1985.

Over the years Manchester Wood has become famous for its quality solid wood construction, durability and ease of storage. It remains the perfect finishing touch for beach and lake houses, porches, decks, patios and many other outdoor spaces. Cliff’s company has continued to design and manufacture the wood version of the chairs in the USA exclusively [for many top American retailers around the country].”

October 22-28

For the final week in our #4for40Giveaway series, we’re offering the best-selling item over the first 40 years we’ve been in business: A set of 4 Tray Tables.

We started with a pine set in 1976, called the “Deluxe TV Tray Table Pine Set of 4.” It was far more folksy Americana in its design compared to today; and at the time it was the largest product we produced – size wise.

By the mid-80’s we had introduced a hardwood set as part of our “Snack Table Collection,” which offered up Tray Table sets we made in both pine and oak, for companies like J.C. Penney, Service Merchandise, and Crate & Barrel.

Today, our best-selling version is the Contemporary Folding TV Tray Table Set of 4 (pictured as our giveaway item). It’s made in solid Ash hardwood (and Cherry hardwood!), with a smooth double glide design that facilitates easier folding and storage.

The days of TV trays primarily used as “snack tables” have changed into days of portable work desks, a play table for the kids on the couch, and a life on-the-go.

What products or styles of furniture would you like to see Manchester Wood make in the next 40 years?

By answering this question, whether commenting on this blog, writing it on our Facebook wall, or mentioning it to us on Twitter @manchesterwood, you’ll be entered to win the drawing each week! Good luck! Thank you for your continued business!

Employees who have been with us for 10+ years (that’s half the people here!) share their favorite memories on our 40th anniversary month.

“I started junior or senior year of high school… We had a spray booth quarter of the size of what they are today. I remember bringing Laurie (now a 26 year employee) into interview with Cliff and it was at 2:30 in the afternoon, and he said, ‘Can you start now!?’ [Chuckles] …We worked until 4:30 in those days.”

-Bev Hewes, 40 years

“Stick through good times and bad… we’re a family here. Sure it’s a job, but it’s more than that to us. We’re doing it for Cliff, for the story, the legacy of this place. We believe in the future. Ed and Priscilla stuck with us through some hard times, so we’re doing the same for them.”

-Judy Coley, 26 years

“I actually never had a job interview. I was watching my sister’s baby in the car while she went in to interview, and came back out and said, ‘you start Monday.’ I said, ‘What!?’ …They asked her if she knew of anyone else who would want to work, and she mentioned me… She lasted two months, I’ve been here 15 years.”

-Jennifer Dimick, 15 years

“I’m still here because of that man [Ed]… he’s helped me a bunch, and I remind people how good he’s been to me.”

-Jim Devino, 26 years

“When I got hired I was taking care of my daughter at the time, because I didn’t have anyone to take care of her, so I had to bring her with me to the interview and they said no problem. When we left, she said, ‘Daddy, I think you’re going to get hired… I just have a feeling.’ I said, ‘Yeah, you think so?’ … I’ve enjoyed working here.”

-Jose Figueroa, 11 years

“I remember first day coming into the interview, Ed was just shuffling around papers on a desk trying to find my resume. I kept telling him where it was but he was just going so fast, not paying attention to what I was saying [Chuckles]. He eventually found it, interviewed me, and hired me on the spot. Been here ever since.”

-Richard Moffitt, 28 years

“Dairy farmed my whole life then came here… I’m still outside everyday when I’m done [at the mill].”

-John Brown, 12 years

“Always family oriented… I feel like part of the family. I actually missed my first interview because I was on the rescue squad and actually went to Manchester Wood on an emergency call that day instead of an interview. I came back later and I’ve been here ever since.”

-John Thomson, 25 years

“I tried getting hired here before, and they were all set. I worked for Evergreen Slate before, then for a plumbing and heating company in Castleton [VT]. Finally got in here on the night shift (back when it ran). I love drilling. I’m a gear head so set-ups are fun. My fingernail is .0306… I use all sorts of quarks to measure exact.”

-Scott Reed, 14 years

“Love the people, enjoy the work. First time I sprayed [in finishing] I was nervous, but it worked out. Now I’m running around here like a chicken with my head cut off [in charge of many tasks] but I like it… It keeps me busy.”

-Laurie Burch, 26 years

“I love going to all the departments, learning new systems.”

-Nancy Mashak, 17 years

“I know it’s hard to keep this thing going, and I really appreciate the fact it’s still here. I’ve seen a lot of changes, coming from Manchester to Granville, all good things that needed to happen. The people are great, and always have been.”

-Carl Sheldon, 33 years

“The people are great, it’s also a great place to work.”

-Billi Jo Rathbun, 14 years

“I’ve run just about every machine… You can put me in front of any one of them and I can run it… Love working here.”

-Eric Kirchner, 12 years

“I enjoy it… I’ll work in the rough mill a few hours, down to sanding, drilling, packing… I like the variety, it’s a good job.”

-Patti Devino, 26 years

“Favorite memory is bagging chairs with Patti (26 year employee) about 8 years ago… I was still new so she was showing me the ropes. Getting to know each other was fun, and it doesn’t matter if we haven’t worked together in a while, you put us together in packing and we’ll pack anything together right.”

-Bill Thomson, 11 years

“First three months I built nothing but [Adirondack] chair parts… I had no idea we made anything else until one morning they told me, ‘you’re making Mission furniture today.’ I said, ‘What the heck is Mission furniture?’ [Chuckles]”

-Charlie Curtis, 11 years

“I remember the 6891’s, a Microwave Cart we did for J.C. Penney, and there were oodles of us everywhere working hard to get a shipment out on Black Friday. Everybody working hard to get it done… I’ve always enjoyed assembly and appreciate how they’ve always promoted within the company.”

-Garnet Matteson, 27 years

“I’ve enjoyed being in packing. Every day is a new day down here. I’ve designed packs for products that the box companies have started to use because they liked the design so much.”

Behind the story of Chris, is the story of all of us. Artisans, woodworkers… all here to provide quality furniture from our home to yours.

Written by Luke Eriksen, Vice President

Before AutoCAD and CNC Programming there was graph paper, a ruler, and a sharpened pencil. That is where our company began 40 years ago. Prior to our company’s beginnings our founder, my grandfather, Cliff Pierce started a career in manufacturing as a tool and die maker.

Tool and die makers aren’t found sitting in an office behind a desk. They are in the middle of the dust and grease, a critical cog in the wheel of factory production each day. They’re a class of machinists all onto themselves. They make jigs, fixtures, dies, molds, machine tools, cutting tools, gauges, and other tools used in manufacturing processes.

That trade and way of thinking never left my grandfather. Our humble beginning in the basement of his house, to his own factory floor and eventually in the office behind a desk making sales with the biggest retailers in the country.

“We’re just a bunch of farmers,” he’d jovially tell people when explaining his business. Not actually tilling the soil of course though he did own a farm, but more as a way of thinking. In many ways he was and in many ways we still are. Simple. Real. Truthful. Honest. Matter of fact. Nothing more, nothing less.

I fondly remember flying with him and my family to Florida years ago sitting next to him on the plane. It left a lasting impression on me as I watched him pull out his graph paper and pencil, and watched him sketch out a rough idea for a new product. I asked him for an extra piece of paper and I tried to replicate what he was doing. He never stopped designing. He never stopped working.

The #MyNeckoftheWoods series has been really fun to watch unfold. In a small way, it provides a behind the scenes peek at who we are as we highlighted some of the cool things Chris Bowlen is up to. Be sure to check out our new Herrick Brook collection. Like everything else from Manchester Wood, it began with a sketch.

Stay tuned for next month’s special 40th anniversary giveaway series as a token of appreciation. Also, we’ll hopefully get some pictures up from our celebration towards the end of October.

Back at it. After the dust settles from a long weekend celebrating the American worker, Chris and company are clocked in.

Written by Eric Henzie, Marketing Executive

Last week was Chris’ opportunity to leave a mark. No breaks, skipping lunch & hustling all week to create several new samples for a large retail client. This week had a nice reward, Labor Day.

Returning to the office on Tuesday morning after realizing there are no more beaches, fewer barbeques, and less sunshine can be difficult. But take heart the last day of summer is technically more than three weeks away. Chris came back to work recharged and eager to put his final touches on samples he and the team completed for an upcoming Orvis catalog shoot. His work was the focus of meetings held later in the day to tighten up schematics and instructions for our upcoming product launch – Herrick Brook Collection (product launch coming in Part 7).

Labor Day is an annual workers’ holiday in observance of the many achievements of American workers. The American Pride we possess, the grit and determination to get things done right was first celebrated by the Central Labor Union of New York in 1882. The idea eventually caught on, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday.

I like holidays like Labor Day, where expectations are relatively low (no gifts or cards!), where the only requirement is to relax and have a good time. Most of us have the day off for picnics, parades and the last long weekend of the summer. Labor Day always feels bittersweet to me. Although fall is my favorite season, I still can’t bear to see the long, laid back days of summer, lightening bugs and swimming holes come to an end. It won’t be long now until shorts will give way to sweaters and Friday night football games will take the place of evenings fly fishing on the river.

How important is buying American workers’ products to you? Do you own something that’s special that represents American made quality? Tell us by commenting on our Facebook wall or tweeting #MyNeckoftheWoods @manchesterwood

Everything that’s time-tested is of interest to Chris. A growing vinyl collection has him in awe of classic, long-lasting quality in sound and design.

“I wonder about the people who’ve owned these records before me. The quality of the sound is still here, and knowing they heard it too is special to me. I hope the same thing for our furniture, that is just keeps living on to the next person.” -Chris Bowlen, sample maker and designer

Written by Eric Henzie, Marketing Executive

Vintage vinyl appeals to my sense of nostalgia, of thrift and eternalness assuming you adhere to their proper care. Diving through bins of unknown records, the thrill of the hunt for what some seem to want to discard as obsolete others like Chris are happy to relocate to his own shelf full next to his turntable. He doesn’t hoard. He is happy to collect, share, seek them out at the various tag sales held in the area throughout the summer, or even fund one of the pricier new releases if it fits his taste.

If you thumb through the pages of hardcover coffee-table books of New England you will find an endless supply of rural imagery. Nostalgic visuals of rural America; such as these are firmly entrenched in the popular imagination. You can probably imagine yourself standing in the midst of these centuries old visions of past, one where the landscape and identity were defined by tradition, simplicity, and charm.

Since my family and I started living in New England one of the things that has made the biggest impression on me personally is the transition from summer to autumn. This transformation is unarguably the most beautiful. The leaves on the trees change from green to a vast range of beautiful colors; brilliant yellows, golden oranges and fiery reds. The activities that follow make me feel nostalgic. It’s raking leaves, the last mowing of the season, covering the garden vegetables before an impending frost, or moving the split wood from the covered log-pile down the road to the one closer to the house. It’s those time honored traditions honed over time that make us feel purposeful and a part of a community. Those things that friends or neighbors mention to each other while making small talk.

How important is long-lasting quality to you? Do you own something that’s special to you that’s been around for a longtime? Tell us by commenting on our Facebook wall or tweeting #MyNeckoftheWoods @manchesterwood